Hallmark promises Christmas surprise to fans of When Calls the Heart in lieu of TV movie

When Calls the Heart fans look forward to a movie every Christmas

Hallmark Channel‘s Countdown to Christmas movies are some of the network’s most popular offerings, with the When Calls the Heart movie, shown on Christmas Day, often bringing in three million viewers or more.

Along with the unwrapping of presents and spending time with family, fans look forward to the movie as another Christmas tradition; however, things will change this year as the When Calls the Heart cast and crew were unable to film a movie in time for the holiday.

Fans were understandably disappointed, especially since in July, Hallmark announced the annual When Calls the Heart Christmas movie right before the series started production on season eight. Brian Bird, the series Executive Producer, took to his Facebook page to explain the situation and offer a bit of hope.

"Hearties, you have likely heard by now that the much-hoped-for WCTH Christmas special was not possible to produce this season. We are sad and sorry right along with you, but it just wasn’t in the Christmas cards this season. If there ever was a year when the complicating factors of life would force a change in plans… 2020 is it. I’m sure you can relate."

It is certainly understandable during these times that plans have to change. In this ever-changing environment we’re in, nothing is set in stone. Most #Hearties (fans of When Calls the Heart) were understanding. Still, softening the blow of his announcement, Bird added that the series would have 12 episodes this year instead of its customary 10 and that there would still be a surprise under the tree for fans this year, though he didn’t elaborate on the exact nature of the surprise.

What could the When Calls the Heart surprise be?

Some fans and news channels have already begun to speculate on what the surprise could be, with TVShowAce wondering if the cast could have recorded a special musical episode as much of the cast is as talented in singing as they are in acting.

One fan hoped the Hallmark Channel would air the first episode of the new season in lieu of the movie so there wouldn’t be such a long wait to see the series which normally airs in February while still another hopes season eight will debut in January instead of February.

Hopefully, Bird will provide a few more details in the coming weeks to give us fans something more to be excited about. It is, after all, our favorite show!

What do you think the Christmas surprise will be? Share your thoughts in the comments below.